TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Central raced out to a three-touchdown lead and hung on for a thrilling 21-14 win over cross-town rival Traverse City West in their regular season finale at Thirlby Field.
The Central Trojans played a strong first half and scored on their first drive to take an early lead. Central widened the lead with a second quarter touchdown and led 14-0 at halftime.
The Trojans expanded the lead to 21-0 on a fourth-down play midway through the third quarter, before West scored to make it 21-7. The Titans continued to build momentum and scored again early in the fourth quarter to shave the Trojan lead to 21-14. Both defenses stiffened and the teams exchanged punts before the Titans staged a late rally that fell short inside the Trojan five-yard line as time expired.
The win raised Central’s record to 5-4 and kept alive the team’s state playoff hopes. West fell to 6-3 and had a 6-game winning streak snapped, but has already clinched a playoff spot. The Titans have also clinched at least a share of the Big North Conference title.
2008 Crosstown Showdown
10:00 p.m.: TC Central beats West 21-14 in crosstown showdown
-
-
<a href="http://photos.record-eagle.com/gallery/6358888_QU9DM"><b>Crosstown Showdown Photo Gallery »</b></a>
Game and crowd photos from Friday's crosstown showdown football between Traverse City Central and Traverse City West.
Continued ... -
Central stops West's late drive
Since the start of organized football in seventh grade, Traverse City Central's senior class had never tasted victory over Traverse City West. Ray Gidley's tackle on the 2-yard line as the final horn sounded Friday ended that streak.
Continued ... -
Sophomore QB provides an unexpected boost
A year ago, Mack Sovereign was taking snaps on the junior varsity team as a freshman. Friday night, he helped Traverse City Central's football program take another step, maybe even a leap.
Continued ... -
James Cook: TC coaches successfully wing it
Traverse City Central and West are in extremely capable hands. Face it, most people didn't think TC West would be in the playoffs this year. First-year coach Tim Wooer put the Titans there. Many didn't expect much from Central last year after coming off an 0-9 season, but the Trojans went 5-4. Tom Passinault was a huge reason for the turnaround in his first season at the helm.
Continued ... -
Mike Eckert: Assistants play key roles
Friday's game couldn't have been much bigger for Traverse City Central and TC West, as the two teams renewed their annual rivalry in the Crosstown Showdown. And in the big game -- in big situations -- both coaches turned responsibility over to their assistants.
Continued ... -
Notebook: TCC coach leads celebration
As time expired in Friday's Crosstown Showdown at Thirlby Field, Traverse City Central's students stormed the field to celebrate the Trojans' 21-14 win over TC West, and first win over the Titans since 2005. Leading the charge onto the field was Trojans coach Tom Passinault. (Plus more notes from the game.)
Continued ... - Thursday, October 23, 2008
-
Rain can't dampen schools' spirits
A steady rain fell across Thirlby Field in the hours building to the annual crosstown battle between Traverse City Central and West high schools. But instead of dampening the enthusiasm for the yearly show-down, the foul weather seemed to feed it.
Continued ...
-
Anderson Kicks Guest Off Show
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
K.Stew's Topless Confession at Cannes
Dog Saves Owner From Fainting
Big Bang Theory Star Comes Out
Climbers create traffic jam in Everest's "death zone"
EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: 'Jock the Hero Dog'
Wild Winds in the High Desert Take Down Power Poles
Joplin Rebuilds Stronger, Greener After Tornado
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Facebook slammed with suits
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
Kristen Stewart says no shame in explicit love scenes
Bonus: Tan Mom Goes Nude
Daycare worker burns child’s face with chemicals
Kanye West Wants Kim Kardashian to Look More Natural Like Kate Middleton
Tornado Touches Down During Wedding
Snooki Reveals Sex of Baby
Toddler Drives Toy Into Traffic
